Berlin's lakes at a glance
Berlin is surrounded by lakes and rivers. Water quality is checked every four weeks during the season (May to September) by the Berlin environment administration; results are published on Berlin's official bathing water website. The bathing sites at Schlachtensee, Krumme Lanke, Wannsee and Grunewaldsee have been rated excellent quality under European criteria; always check the water on the day, as quality can change after a storm.
| Lake | Type | Price | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strandbad Wannsee | Developed beach, 1 km of sand | €6.50 (adult, 2026) | S1, S7 to Nikolassee |
| Schlachtensee | Natural lake in the Grunewald, open beaches | Free | S1 to Schlachtensee |
| Krumme Lanke | Small natural lake, very quiet | Free | U3 to Krumme Lanke |
| Müggelsee | Berlin's largest lake, two official bathing sites | Depends on the site | S3 to Friedrichshagen |
| Plötzensee | Urban lake in Wedding | Free | In the north-west of the centre |
Strandbad Wannsee, the big beach
For a proper beach day, the Strandbad Wannsee is the simplest choice: sand, beach baskets, restaurants and a naturist area. Admission is paid (€6.50 for an adult, €3.80 reduced) and official photo ID is required from age 14. It combines well with Peacock Island and with our guide to Wannsee.
Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke
These two narrow, forest-lined lakes lie side by side at the edge of the Grunewald. They are free and unfenced, and a path runs around the Schlachtensee. You swim from the small beaches and jetties; in summer there are often kiosks selling ice cream and drinks, and you can rent rowing boats on the Schlachtensee. For the Schlachtensee, get off at Schlachtensee station (S1); for the Krumme Lanke, take the U3 to the terminus, then walk about ten minutes. On summer weekends the shores are very busy.
Müggelsee and the lakes in the east
The Müggelsee is Berlin's largest lake, in the east of the city. It has two official bathing sites, at Friedrichshagen and at the Strandbad Müggelsee, with swimming guaranteed in 2026. Take the S-Bahn S3 to Friedrichshagen, then walk or take a bus. It is a different world from the Wannsee: calmer, wilder, with its forests.
Plötzensee, the lake near the centre
The Plötzensee, in the Wedding district, is one of the lakes closest to the centre. It is free and popular with residents of the north of the city: handy if you only have an afternoon.
Tips before you dive in
- Check the water: in summer, blue-green algae can lead to a swimming ban; check the official results on the day.
- Supervision: natural beaches are not always supervised; do not swim alone far from the shore, especially with children.
- Respect the place: no loud music, no fires; take your rubbish with you. FKK areas are reserved for naturists.
- No glass or barbecues at the Wannsee beach; rules vary from lake to lake.
- Bring water and food: some lakes have no shops nearby.
Getting there and getting around
The lakes can be reached by S-Bahn or U-Bahn with an AB ticket: our guide to transport in Berlin explains tickets. When the weather doesn't cooperate, see our guide to Berlin when it rains.
Going further
To combine swimming and sightseeing, plan on the Wannsee: the Wannsee Conference memorial and the Liebermann Villa are neighbours. For other outdoor ideas, also read our guide to free activities in Berlin.
